In 2014, the Free Library of Philadelphia, in partnership with The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre and many other cultural organizations from around the region, will present the Year of the Bard: Shakespeare at 450-a year packed full of engaging, enlightening, and entertaining programs designed to celebrate Shakespeare in all his classic and modern incarnations.

"This play was first performed by the King’s Men at the court of King James I on November 1, 1604. Written during Shakespeare’s great tragic period, which also included the composition of 'Hamlet' (1600), 'King Lear' (1604–5), 'Macbeth' (1606), and 'Antony and Cleopatra' (1606–7), 'Othello' is set against the backdrop of the wars between Venice and Turkey that raged in the latter part of the sixteenth century." -- "Othello," SparkNotes.com